Scotland is shifting gears on its journey to net zero, with a fresh £20 million investment in electric vehicle loans set to launch in 2025.
The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to extend support for low-income households, small businesses and taxi drivers looking to make the switch to electric.
Interest-free loans will once again be available through the Used EV Loan, Switched on Taxi Loan and the Used Electric Low Carbon Vehicle Loan for Vans.
This initiative builds on more than a decade of support, dating back to 2011, which has already helped thousands make the leap to cleaner transport.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said the new funding comes at a crucial time for communities feeling the pinch from the cost of living.
She said the scheme will open up access to electric vehicles at a broader range of prices, allowing more people to take meaningful climate action.
These loans run alongside the Government’s £65 million investment in public charging infrastructure, a move that has helped Scotland reach 6,000 public charge points two years ahead of schedule.
It’s part of a wider strategy to make EVs the natural choice for drivers by 2030.
Scotland currently offers the only interest-free EV loans in the UK, and since 2011, more than £230 million has been loaned out to help individuals and businesses buy over 8,700 ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles.
That shift has saved an estimated 230,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The country also leads the UK (outside of London) in public charge points per capita and has more rapid EV charge points than anywhere else.
Looking ahead, the Government’s Draft Implementation Plan sets out how Scotland will support the delivery of 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030.
The Energy Saving Trust, which delivers the loan programmes, welcomed the continued support.
Heather Quin, Senior Programme Manager, said the loans have helped thousands of people across Scotland move towards more sustainable transport.
She added that small traders and microbusinesses would also benefit, with new options to finance electric vans.
As the demand for EVs continues to rise, Scotland’s joined-up approach to affordability and infrastructure is helping accelerate a cleaner, greener future on the roads.
For more information on these funding schemes, including eligibility visit Financial support for low carbon travel – Energy Saving Trust
